BACKGROUND: Cap badges were usually made of white metal, brass, copper or bi-metal. Most commonly brass and white metal were used. With the shortage of ferrous metal towards the end of 1940, an alternative material was needed for the manufacture of cap badges. Rolled brass and bakelite were among the materials tested but it was cellulose acetate that was finally selected, as it was a modern plastic that could be used with injection molding equipment. The first cellulose acetate badges were produced in December of 1941and were limited to the corp level, with the regimental level badges going into production in June of 1942. Since the average soldier preferred the metal badges over the plastic and they were produced for a short period of time, plastic cap badges can be fairly rare. The Corps of Royal Engineers can direct descent from the military engineers that William the Conqueror brought to England over nine hundred ago. Awarded by King William IV in 1832, its motto "Ubique" (Everywhere), signified that the Corp had taken part in every conflict that the British Army had participated in all over the world.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 1 9/16" diameter, injection molded, brown plastic, cap badge which features a King’s crown surmounting a garter with "Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense" (Evil To Him That Evil Thinks) embossed upon it, the garter encircling the monogram "GR VI," and a wreath of laurel leaves surrounding the belt, to the bottom of which is scrolled "Royal Engineers." To the reverse were two flat brass retaining tabs, one is missing and the other repaired with solder, and the embossed text "1-A" and "A Stanley & Sons," "Walsall." The badge has very minor wear to the highlights on the obverse and is missing a retaining prong but is otherwise in very good condition.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $33.00